A report presented to Council provided details of the capital and revenue budget proposals for 2017/2018.

The Cabinet had considered initial budget proposals on 22 November 2016, which had been developed in accordance with the principles set out in the Medium Term Financial Plan. In accordance with the budget and policy framework rules within the Constitution the Overview and Scrutiny Committees had then considered the Cabinet's proposals prior to Cabinet's consideration of the draft budget on 7 February 2017.

It was noted that an overarching Diversity Impact Assessment, as set out in Appendix 10 to the report, summarised the results of the Diversity Impact Assessments which had been completed for each of the services affected by the proposed budget changes.

The Leader of the Council, Councillor Jarrett, supported by the Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Housing and Community Services, Councillor Doe, proposed the recommendations in the report, together with the following additional proposals:

£160,000 for the Battle of Medway to be funded from an additional £100,000 crematorium income and £60,000 from Children's Centre savings

£55,000 for an increase in Ward Improvement Funds to £2,000 per member to be funded from further savings from Children's Centres

£45,000 for environmental works at Rochester Airport Technology Park to be funded from capital in the South Medway Development Fund

£50,000 Strand Play Area to be funded from Section 106 payments

Remove officer delegation to vary or negate parking charges, which henceforth can only be varied in agreement with the Portfolio Holders for Finance and Frontline Services.

The Leader noted that the only one of the above mentioned proposals that involved recurring expenditure was in relation to the increase in the Ward Improvement Funds.

Following advice from the Chief Executive, and with the consent of the meeting, the Leader accepted the following revised wording with regard to his proposal to amend the officer delegation scheme as permitted by Council Rule 11.4.2:

"Amend the Director of Regeneration, Culture, Environment and Transformation's delegation set out in paragraph 8.12 of Chapter 3 of the Constitution (Employee Delegation Scheme) so that any variation is in consultation with the Leader of the Council and the Portfolio Holder for Frontline Services."

To view the list of councillors who voted in favour or against the motion, those who abstained and those who were absent, click on the appropriate heading.

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